“What do you want to be, when you grow up?”

Seriously, this is a question I struggle with almost daily. Yeah, about that question. I’ll let you know once I’ve figured it out.

Given that I don’t have an answer, here’s what I’ve discovered for myself. Mostly, it’s about attributes (and adjectives) in life. I enjoy:

• Being on high performing teams
• Contributing to problem solving
• Laughing at work
• Connecting with fellow humans being
• Getting to geek out at work
• Telling story that relate different topics
• Writing witty content for the internet!

The list could be longer, but I don’t want to bore you (or me for that matter).

What I don’t want to be

I figured out that I don’t want to be a “forever child”. I joined the Navy at 19 years old and I never looked back. As well, I never went back home.

I didn’t want to go back home, so I don’t want to feel trapped by my past. Can you relate?

I don’t want to be taken too seriously. I’m serious, but not so serious that I would ask the question to a child or young person, “What do you want to be, when you grow up?”

I don’t want to be insincere.

I think this list is long enough to get my point across. There is too much pressure to figure out a constantly changing set of preferences in life.

Life is about preference

If my high school career counselor could see what happened to me, she would be amazed. I took a career aptitude inventory during my second or third year. It seemed to consign me to hair styling.

How ironic! I’m partially bald now!

That inventory challenged me to figure out a different way toward a career. I re-invented myself when I joined the Navy. As a result, I’ve been re-inventing me ever since!

Most of my pivots are based on preference. Having choices and options is a good thing! I’m glad that I do.

So, the next time I get asked or you get asked, “What do you want to be, when you grow up?”, consider this answer.

Once I’ve figured it out, I’ll let you know!

In the meantime, explore your preferences. See if teamwork is your thing (since you may have to be a team player at some time). Look for ways to geek out and get paid!

All I would like is that you don’t stay a “forever child”. Find a career path that works for you. Who knows, maybe we can work together in tech?